DISPOSITIVO PARA TESTE DE SENSOR DE NÍVEL DE LÍQUIDO DE ARREFECIMENTO EM CAMINHÕES

Description

1 / 10 DEVICE FOR TESTING COOLANT LEVEL SENSOR IN TRUCKS Model Field

[001] The present utility model refers to a device configured to perform a test on the level sensor applied in truck coolant reservoirs, making it possible to test different models of level sensors with a single device in a practical and efficient manner. Background of the Model

[002] Trucks are widely used equipment for transporting materials, being applicable in different types of industry and for transporting different materials. According to the National Traffic Department, there are more than 3.5 million trucks in circulation in Brazil, and about 75% of all goods moved within the national territory use road transport, highlighting its national importance.

[003] One of the main systems in trucks consists of their cooling system, which is responsible for keeping the truck's engine running at its design temperature, so that a lack of cooling can cause serious damage to the truck's engine due to overheating.

[004] The truck's cooling system generally consists of a radiator, responsible for cooling the coolant, a pump, a thermostatic valve to retain the coolant, temperature sensors, a reservoir with a level sensor to store the coolant, and hoses for circulating the coolant through the engine.

[005] In this way, the coolant is kept in a reservoir equipped with a level sensor to monitor the amount of coolant in the system, so that a low level of coolant can generate poor circulation throughout the engine and, consequently, low cooling efficiency, which can cause serious damage due to increased temperature. Petition 870250005379, dated 01 / 23 / 2025, p. 11 / 26 2 / 10

[006] However, over time and with use of the truck, mainly due to the harsh environment and constant vibration found in the truck's cooling system, it is possible that the coolant reservoir level sensor may start to malfunction, indicating a normal coolant level when it is empty and vice versa.

[007] Therefore, it is essential that the coolant level sensor be checked and maintained frequently, in order to prevent the reservoir from running out of coolant due to malfunction of the level sensor, thus ensuring full engine cooling.

[008] In the state of the art, there are some known patent documents that aim to simulate and calibrate level sensors applied in coolant reservoirs, as described in document WO200237399A1. The document describes a sensor simulator for calibrating and testing different types of sensors in internal combustion engines, making it possible to simulate the operation of the vehicle's engine to test the functioning of the specific sensor.

[009] In short, the simulator described in document WO200237399A1 comprises several sensors to monitor the operational parameters of the vehicle and its engine, in order to store these parameters in an ECM. One of the sensors to be tested by the simulator is the coolant level sensor, comprising a specific simulator equipped with a connector to be fitted directly into the vehicle's system, comprising a structure.

[010] The specific simulator also includes guide pins arranged inside the connector to guide the connection with one or more conductors, as well as a connector to ensure this connection. In this sense, the specific simulator is associated with the vehicle's system to emit known signals and thus verify if its sensor is functioning properly, that is, if it is showing signals corresponding to the known signals. Petition 870250005379, dated 01 / 23 / 2025, page 12 / 26 3 / 10

[011] However, although document WO200237399A1 is capable of emitting known signals to its coolant level sensor and thus verifying whether said sensor is functioning properly, it prevents direct contact with the level sensor to verify its operation in a practical and efficient manner.

[012] Thus, based on the above and the document above, it is understood that there is no device in the state of the art for testing coolant level sensors in trucks that allows testing their operation in a practical and safe manner, without having to completely remove the level sensor from the truck.

[013] Furthermore, based on the above and the document above, it is understood that there is no device in the state of the art for testing coolant level sensors in trucks that allows testing different models of level sensors applied in trucks of different brands, making it possible to use a single device to test different truck models. Objectives of the Invention

[014] The present utility model aims to provide a portable device for testing coolant level sensors in trucks that allows testing the level sensor in a practical and efficient manner.

[015] The present utility model also aims to provide a device for testing coolant level sensors in trucks, enabling said test to be performed without the level sensor being completely removed from the truck.

[016] Finally, the present utility model also aims to provide a device for testing coolant level sensors in trucks that allows the same device to be applied to test level sensors from different truck models, avoiding the use of different devices for testing the level sensor. Petition 870250005379, dated 01 / 23 / 2025, page 13 / 26 4 / 10 Brief Description of the Drawings

[017] The present utility model is described in detail based on the respective figures:

[018] Figure 1 - shows a side view of the coolant level sensor testing device for trucks of the present utility model in its preferred configuration.

[019] Figure 2 - shows a front view of the coolant level sensor testing device in trucks of the present utility model in its preferred configuration.

[020] Figure 3 - shows a rear view of the coolant level sensor testing device in trucks of the present utility model in its preferred configuration.

[021] Figure 4 - shows a perspective view of the coolant level sensor test device applied to a second truck model. Summary of the Invention

[022] The preferred embodiment of the present utility model describes a device for testing coolant level sensors in trucks, characterized in that it comprises: a support plate with an L shape having a first portion and a second portion; a fitting sleeve fixed to the first portion of the support plate, the fitting sleeve having a central through hole to receive the level sensor inside; and a magnetic element arranged in a sliding manner relative to a fitting sleeve, configured to be moved between a first position and a second position.

[023] Wherein the first portion of the support plate is arranged in a horizontal orientation and the second portion of the support plate is arranged in a vertical orientation, the second portion having a fitting zone and an indicator zone.

[024] Wherein the fitting zone of the second portion of the support plate comprises a slot configured to receive a fitting structure for the level sensor and the zone Petition 870250005379, dated 01 / 23 / 2025, page 14 / 26 5 / 10 indication of the second portion of the support plate comprising two holes, a first hole indicating low level and a second hole indicating normal level, linearly arranged to each other.

[025] Wherein the fitting sleeve is fixed perpendicularly to an inner face of the first portion of the support plate and arranged parallel to the second portion of the support plate, being configured to receive a structure with level sensors inside, the structure with sensors comprising a first inductive sensor and a second inductive sensor.

[026] Wherein the movement of the magnetic element is carried out between a first low level position indicated by the first hole of the indicator zone of the second portion of the support plate corresponding with the first inductive sensor of the level sensor disposed inside the fitting sleeve and a second normal level position indicated by the second hole of the indicator zone of the second portion of the support plate corresponding with the second inductive level sensor.

[027] Comprising a guide rail fixed perpendicularly to the first portion of the support plate and arranged parallel to the fitting sleeve, configured to guide the movement of the magnetic element.

[028] Where the position of the magnetic element is configured to simulate the coolant level detected by the first inductive sensor and the second inductive sensor of the level sensor structure, in the first position indicating low level and in the second position indicating normal level. Detailed Description of the Invention

[029] Although the utility model can be implemented in different modalities, the figures and detailed description that follow show the preferred configurations thereof, on the understanding that the present description should be considered for purely illustrative purposes, not limited to what is illustrated or described herein. Petition 870250005379, dated 01 / 23 / 2025, page 15 / 26 6 / 10

[030] The main approach of the present utility model discloses a device 1 for testing coolant level sensor 5 in trucks, making it possible to perform a practical and efficient check of the operation of the level sensor 5 without having to completely remove it from the truck.

[031] In its preferred configuration, device 1 of the present utility model comprises a support plate 2, a fitting sleeve 3 and a magnetic element 4, as illustrated in Figure 1 and described in detail below.

[032] Support plate 2, as its name suggests, consists of the structural component of device 1, configured to support all other components. Support plate 2, in its preferred configuration, comprises an L-shape, having a first portion 2', preferably arranged in a horizontal orientation, and a second portion 2, preferably arranged in a vertical orientation, as illustrated in Figure 1.

[033] Still in this preferred configuration, the fitting sleeve 3 is fixed perpendicularly to the inner face of the first portion 2' of the support plate 2, while the second portion 2 has a fitting zone at the end and an indicator zone in its central portion, as illustrated in Figure 2. The fitting zone comprises a slot configured to house a part of the level sensor 5 to be tested, while the indicator zone comprises two holes, a first for low level and a second for normal level linearly arranged to indicate the position of the magnetic element 4, as described below.

[034] The magnetic element 4, as its name suggests, consists of a magnetic component, more specifically a magnet in its preferred configuration. The said magnetic element 4, also in its preferred configuration, is arranged in a sliding manner in the vertical direction in relation to the fitting sleeve 3, parallel to the second portion 2 of the support plate 2, being provided with a central hole for the passage of fitting sleeve 3, limiting the said Petition 870250005379, dated 01 / 23 / 2025, page 16 / 26 7 / 10 movement. This movement is configured to allow the magnetic element 4 to be moved to the low-level and normal-level positions in the indicated zone of the support plate 2.

[035] To guide the movement of the magnetic element 4 in relation to the support plate 2, the device 1, in its preferred configuration, comprises a guide 4', fixed perpendicularly to the first portion 2' of the support plate 2 and parallel to the fitting sleeve 3, as illustrated in Figure 3. The guide 4', in its preferred configuration, consists of a rod passing through a hole in the magnetic element 4, so as to guide the movement of the magnetic element 4 vertically along the fitting sleeve 3.

[036] The fitting sleeve 3, as its name suggests, consists of a component configured to receive the level sensor 5 during testing. In its preferred configuration, the fitting sleeve 3 comprises a central through hole along its entire vertical length, configured to receive the level sensor 5 inside. The level sensor 5 typically comprises a fitting structure, configured to receive the connection to the truck's system, and a sensor structure, consisting of a rod equipped with two inductive sensors to indicate the coolant tank level.

[037] Thus, level sensor 5 is installed in the coolant reservoir so that its sensor structure is in contact with the coolant, comprising a first inductive sensor and a second inductive sensor spaced apart. The coolant tank level detection is performed as follows: when the liquid is in contact with the first inductive sensor, a low coolant tank level is indicated, and when the liquid is in contact with the second inductive sensor, a normal coolant tank level is indicated. Petition 870250005379, dated 01 / 23 / 2025, p. 17 / 26 8 / 10

[038] In this sense, the movement of magnetic element 4 is intended to simulate the variation in the coolant level, so that, in a first position, magnetic element 4 comes into contact with the first inductive sensor to indicate a low level and, in a second position, magnetic element 4 comes into contact with the second inductive sensor to indicate a normal level.

[039] Since the shape and dimensions of level 5 sensors can vary depending on the truck model and make, device 1 of the present utility model allows different models of level 5 sensors to be tested, varying only their fit in relation to the fitting sleeve 3, as described in detail below.

[040] In a first level 5 sensor model, it is fitted to device 1 so that its sensor structure passes through the upper end of the fitting sleeve 3, while the fitting structure is arranged inside the slot of the fitting zone of the second portion 2 of the support plate 2, as illustrated in Figure 4.

[041] In a second level 5 sensor model, it is fitted into device 1 so that its sensor structure passes through the lower end of the fitting sleeve 3, i.e., the end opposite to the upper end highlighted above, while its fitting structure is arranged in contact with the first portion 2' of the support plate 2, as illustrated in Figure 5.

[042] Thus, having described the portable device 1 for testing coolant level sensor 5 in trucks, as well as its components, its use is described below to clarify the operation for carrying out the test.

[043] To start testing the level 5 sensor, it must be removed from the coolant reservoir without disconnecting the level 5 sensor from the truck's system, i.e., without disconnecting the connection to the level 5 sensor housing structure. Petition 870250005379, dated 01 / 23 / 2025, page 18 / 26 9 / 10

[044] After removal, level sensor 5 is associated with device 1 of the present utility model, inserting its sensor structure inside the fitting sleeve 3, varying the orientation of this fitting and association according to the model of level sensor 5 to be tested, as illustrated in Figures 4 and 5. With sensor 5 fitted into the fitting sleeve 3 of device 1, the magnetic element 4 is moved to the first low-level position.

[045] To assess the proper functioning of level sensor 5, when magnetic element 4 is in the first low level position, the truck panel with the system must also indicate the same information, i.e., magnetic element 4 is subsequently moved to the second normal level position, which must also be displayed on the truck panel, i.e., ceasing to display the warning that the coolant level is low.

[046] If the information between the position of magnetic element 4 of the device, between low level and normal level, and the information on the truck's panel are conflicting, it indicates that level sensor 5 is defective and should be serviced or replaced. Similarly, when the information matches, it means that the level sensor is functioning properly.

[047] Having described the portable device 1 for testing coolant level sensor 5 in trucks of the present utility model, it is evident that it fulfills the proposed objectives by bringing gains in terms of practicality and efficiency in testing the coolant level sensor 5, a critical component for the operation of the truck's cooling system. In addition, the device 1 of the present utility model also presents a constructive configuration with its fitting sleeve 3 and magnetic element 4 that allows the use of different models of level sensors 5 with the same device. Petition 870250005379, dated 01 / 23 / 2025, pp. 19 / 26 10 / 10

[048] Finally, device 1 of the present utility model also allows the level 5 sensor test to be performed.

[049] Therefore, it must be understood that the applications and constructive configuration of the portable device 1 for testing coolant level sensor 5 in trucks described are only some embodiments and examples of situations that could occur, the real scope of protection of the utility model object is defined in the claims. Petition 870250005379, dated 01 / 23 / 2025, pp. 20-26

Claims

1 / 2 CLAIMS 1. DEVICE (1) FOR TESTING COOLANT LEVEL SENSOR (5) IN TRUCKS, characterized in that it comprises: a support plate (2) with an “L” shape having a first portion (2’) and a second portion (2”); a fitting sleeve (3) fixed to the first portion (2’) of the support plate (2), the fitting sleeve (3) having a central through hole to receive the level sensor (5) inside; and a magnetic element (4) arranged in a sliding manner relative to a fitting sleeve (3), configured to be moved between a first position and a second position, wherein the first portion (2’) of the support plate (2) is arranged in a horizontal orientation and the second portion (2”) of the support plate (2) is arranged in a vertical orientation, the second portion (2”) having a fitting zone and a zone indicative,wherein the fitting zone of the second portion (2”) of the support plate (2) comprises a slot configured to receive a fitting structure (5') of the level sensor (5) and the indication zone of the second portion (2”) of the support plate (2) comprising two holes, a first hole indicating “low level” and a second hole indicating “normal level”, linearly arranged to each other, wherein the fitting sleeve (3) is perpendicularly fixed to an inner face of the first portion (2') of the support plate (2) and parallel to the second portion (2”) of the support plate (2), being configured to receive a structure with sensors of the level sensor (5) inside, the structure with sensors comprising a first inductive sensor and a second inductive sensor,wherein the movement of the magnetic element (4) is carried out between a first “low level” position indicated by the first hole of the indicator zone of the second portion (2”) of the support plate (2) corresponding with the first inductive sensor of the level sensor (5) disposed inside the fitting sleeve and a second “normal level” position indicated by the second hole of the indicator zone of the second portion (2”) of the support plate (2) corresponding with the second inductive sensor of Petition 870250056533, of 03 / 07 / 2025, page 4 / 5, 2 / 2 level (5), comprising a guide rail (4') perpendicularly fixed in relation to the first portion (2') of the support plate (2) and parallel to the fitting sleeve (3), configured to guide the movement of the magnetic element (4), wherein the position of the magnetic element (4) is configured to simulate the coolant level detected by the first inductive sensor and the second inductive sensor of the level sensor structure (5), in the first position indicating “low level” and in the second position indicating “normal level”. Petition 870250056533, dated 03 / 07 / 2025, page 5 / 5

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